Highlights
- Mortal Kombat 1's roster is impressive so far, but there are still significant gaps that need to be filled with vital characters. Some surprises may await longtime fans.
- The new timeline in Mortal Kombat 1 opens up possibilities for new stories and destinies for characters. Unannounced favorites could potentially be included.
- Characters like Jade, Onaga, Sheeva, and Shinnok could play important roles in Mortal Kombat 1, adding depth and intrigue to the roster. Kronika's return for revenge is also a possibility.
Mortal Kombat 1's roster is looking impressive so far, but there are still some major characters that are unaccounted for. So far, a lot of the most important characters from the series have managed to receive a place in Mortal Kombat 1's story, ensuring a spot in the new universe. However, there are still some significant gaps in the roster that may need to be filled with vital characters. In fact, a few of the characters not yet mentioned may be a surprise to longtime fans.
Following the canonical ending of Mortal Kombat 11, the universe has been reset by Liu Kang and his new powers as the God of Fire. While his intended plan of creating a world without war or strife seems to have failed, many details have been changed in the new world regardless. Many characters have new stories to tell, and potentially new destinies awaiting them, and this could potentially include some unannounced favorites once Mortal Kombat 1 launches.
Kitana's Bodyguard Jade Could Be a Valuable Addition to Mortal Kombat 1
Fans already know about Mortal Kombat 1's version of Kitana, but the status of one of her closest allies is still a mystery. Jade, the bodyguard and friend of the fan-wielding princess, has still not been announced for a role on the playable roster nor as a Kameo fighter. Jade is almost as important to Kitana's history as Mileena is, so her lack of presence creates a notable hole in the roster.
While the new direction of Mortal Kombat 1's timeline could lead to things playing out differently between Kitana and Mileena, it's worth seeing where Jade plays into the situation as well. She has consistently been one of Kitana's closest connections and got another boost in relevance after Kotal Kahn entered the story. Jade has been important for several major characters, so her presence in a new timeline feels like a given.
Onaga Would Be a Fearsome Presence in Mortal Kombat 1
Although not the most expected choice for a returning villain for Mortal Kombat 1, Onaga is a frightening foe to behold. The former ruler of Outworld, he was thought to be unbeatable until his death, and after his revival, he sought to take back everything that he believed to be his. His power and vicious nature made him a threat to everyone, hero and villain alike.
There is a possibility that Onaga could reappear in Mortal Kombat 1. A few characters who have connections to him, such as Quan Chi and Tanya, have already been confirmed as a part of the game, albeit with Quan Chi as DLC. The Dragon King would be an intimidating enemy to face, and he could very well be one of the hidden threats in the new universe.
Sheeva Could Be an Important Presence For the Shokan in Mortal Kombat 1
While it is confirmed that Goro, last seen in Mortal Kombat X, will be returning as a Kameo character, there isn't a confirmed playable Shokan in the roster yet. Sheeva may be able to fill that role just as she did in Mortal Kombat 3 and several games afterward. After all, while Goro has typically been a minion to major villains, Sheeva's roles have been more varied, ranging from villain to anti-hero.
By the time of Sheeva's return in Mortal Kombat 11, she had become the queen of the Shokan, an important and powerful position. While Goro's presence may be an obstacle to her receiving that honor again, having a playable Shokan who is more than a pawn story-wise is an appealing idea. Sheeva's return could inject additional intrigue into Mortal Kombat 1's roster.
Shinnok's Godlike Power is a Terrifying Prospect for Mortal Kombat 1
If it turns out that Shang Tsung isn't Mortal Kombat 1's main villain despite his treacherous past, there's a much bigger threat that could take up the role instead. Shinnok is a god of pure evil, seeking to destroy all of existence for his own ends. His villainy was so great that his fellow gods imprisoned him in Netherrealm. His return holds dire consequences for not only the heroes but the entire Mortal Kombat universe.
While there is hope for Mortal Kombat 1 to redeem some villains, Shinnok is well past any hope of redemption. As cunning, powerful, and manipulative as he is, Shinnok's existence is as devoted to spreading pain and strife as it is to furthering his evil plans. The fact that his former acolyte Quan Chi is already on the roster as DLC makes the case for him to return in Mortal Kombat 1. The Mortal Kombat cast may have to pray that he doesn't make a comeback.
Mortal Kombat 11 Could Be Kronika's Opportunity For Revenge
The reason why Liu Kang was able to remake the universe for Mortal Kombat 1 is because he took the powers of Kronika, the time-controlling Titan and antagonist of Mortal Kombat 11. Manipulating time and fighters alike, Kronika set out to establish a timeline that she desired, regardless of the damage that it may cause. While Kronika was defeated, it's possible that she could be alive again in Mortal Kombat 1's timeline.
Even though Kronika wasn't playable in Mortal Kombat 11, the concept of her returning is a valid one. Considering that her powers were based around time, it's possible that the new Kronika could have knowledge of her past defeat and be willing to seek revenge over it. At the very least, that would provide a solid hook for her role in the story. As the series' most recent villain, she should be fresh in the minds of many, so a return for Kronika may not be too far-fetched for Mortal Kombat 1.
There are still more fighters to come in Mortal Kombat 1, so there is still time for some of the series' more significant missing characters to find a place in the game. Some of the missing fighters are notable but understandable, while some are difficult to imagine being left out of such an important game for the franchise. While most of Mortal Kombat's biggest characters are accounted for in Mortal Kombat 1, a few of the heaviest hitters are still missing, although they all still have a strong argument for entering the story.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
